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Mike Burke: Gene Brunelle knew Holyoke's politics

I looked forward to calls from Gene Brunell, not for the tips or the advice but just because I enjoyed talking to a man so knowledgeable about and dedicated to Holyoke and its people.

When an old and valued friend passes from this life there is, first, sadness. Then, remembrance of what that friend meant to you for those many years of acquaintance.

Eugene C. “Gene” Brunelle was such a friend to me.

Gene passed away earlier this month. He was 88 and had been ill, but that doesn’t mean I won’t miss him.

You see, Gene was one of those people who, thank heavens, took a liking to me when I was a young city editor at the old Holyoke Transcript-Telegram. I don’t know why he liked me, but suffice it to say he did and he was, from then on, a mentor and critic that I highly treasured.

Those were the days in the 1960s, when politics was something to behold in the city of Holyoke.

A lot depended on what your ancestry was. If you were of French-Canadian descent, it helped you get elected in some areas of the city. If you were of Irish or Polish descent, it helped in other sections.

Gene Brunelle was a political person, and no one I knew outside of the newspaper had a better finger on the pulse of the voters.

He was amazing at how he could predict election results, almost to the vote, and he was also amazing in that he could usually ally himself with a winner.

My telephone would ring, usually at home.

“Hi, Mike. This is Gene Brunelle” would come the low voice on the other end of the line. He needn’t tell me who he was, I could always tell.

Then, he would proceed to give me a tip on a story, comment on a recent column or just want to have a friendly conversation.

I looked forward to those calls, not for the tips or the advice but just because I enjoyed talking to a man so knowledgeable about Holyoke and its people.

Gene was also dedicated to the city and the people in it.

He always said Holyoke was a “great place to live and raise a family.” He was correct, of course.

Gene was one of the last people who held prominence in those old days.

He was a good man, and he loved his country and his family as much as anyone could.

I will miss my old acquaintance, but I will cherish his memory.

So long, friend. Until we meet again.

Michael J. Burke, of Holyoke, is retired from The Republican. He can be reached by email to ekrubm@verizon.net